Abstract: A power conversion system including a DC main power supply for supplying a DC voltage, boosting circuits for performing a retrogression operation of boosting the DC voltage and comprising driving circuits, an inverter circuit for converting the DC voltage into an AC voltage, a motor/generator for receiving the AC voltage, and a control circuit for outputting a control signal to the driving circuits and stopping an operation of a faulty boosting circuit of the boosting circuits when one of the boosting circuits is faulty, for setting power control values depending on a number of remaining non-faulty boosting circuits of the boosting circuits, and for controlling the remaining non-faulty boosting circuits and the inverter circuit based on the power control values, wherein the inverter circuit and the boosting circuits perform a regeneration operation of supplying regeneration power to the DC main power supply, peripheral equipment, and/or a DC auxiliary power supply.

Abstract: An electronic device including an electronic switch M1, an electrical pre-charge circuit and a measurement, command and diagnosis module. The main electronic switch M1 has a first electrical terminal D1, a second electrical terminal S1, and a main driving terminal G1. The main electronic switch M1 is adapted to take, based on a driving signal DRV, depending on the command signal CMD and on an enabling signal ENB, a closed condition or an open condition, wherein the first electrical terminal D1 is respectively connected to or disconnected from the second electrical terminal S1. The pre-charge electrical circuit is adapted to carry out, based on the command signal CMD, a pre-charge operation, aimed at equalizing the electric potentials (V1, V2) of the first and second terminals of the device, before the main electronic switch M1 takes a closed condition, upon of a transition from the open condition.

Abstract: A power control system for a hybrid vehicle is provided. The system includes a rechargeable battery, a first motor that is connected to a driving wheel of the vehicle, and a second motor that is connected to the driving wheel of the vehicle. A first inverter is connected to the first motor and a second inverter is connected to the second motor. A converter has a first side connected to the battery and a second side connected to the first inverter. A neutral switch is connected between the first side of the converter and a neutral point of the first motor. A controller executes an on/off of the switch based on whether the first motor is operated and required power of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention includes a battery maintenance device for performing maintenance on battery packs of hybrid and/or electrical vehicles (referred herein generally as electric vehicles). In various embodiments, the device includes one or more loads for connecting to a battery pack for use in discharging the battery pack, and/or charging circuitry for use in charging the battery pack. Input/output circuitry can be provided for communicating with circuitry of in the battery pack and/or circuitry of the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide control means for a vehicle, the control means being operable to control charging of tractive energy storage means of the vehicle, the control means being configured to allow charging of the energy storage means in dependence on a location of the vehicle and a time of day, wherein if the location of the vehicle corresponds to one or more prescribed locations the control means is operable to permit charging only during one or more prescribed periods of the day.

Abstract: An energy management strategy for boats and ships is provided. The aforementioned strategy comprises a strategy for low-load conditions and a strategy for high-load conditions, specifically for the sailing conditions of boats and ships. The output and distribution of energy are dynamically adjusted in accordance with commands, tides, time, locations, weather, hydrologic conditions and other factors may impact the sailing, in order to optimize the energy efficiency of boats and ships.

Abstract: A charge control apparatus includes a battery having a first maximum value, a minimum value, and a second maximum value of an output density, in an output characteristic indicating a relationship between a remaining capacity and the output density of the battery, the minimum value being on a lower remaining capacity side than the first maximum value and the second maximum value being on a lower remaining capacity side than the minimum value; and a charge control unit configured to stop charging the battery when a voltage of the battery reaches a charge termination voltage set in a predetermined setting range. The predetermined setting range is from a voltage corresponding to a remaining capacity associated with the first maximum value to a full charge voltage.

Abstract: A novel automobile charger comprises a direct current (DC) voltage supply, wherein a positive pole of the DC voltage supply is connected with a first end or a first lead of a DC-to-DC module, a first end of a battery voltage detection module and a first end of a load module simultaneously while a negative pole of the DC voltage supply is connected with a second end of the DC-to-DC module, a first end of a microcontroller, a first end of an automobile start control module and a second end of the battery voltage detection module simultaneously. A third end of the DC-to-DC module is connected with a second end of the microcontroller. Third, fourth, and fifth ends of the microcontroller are connected with a third end of the battery voltage detection module, a second end of the automobile start control module and a first end of a load detection module respectively.

Abstract: A battery system has battery cells, a transformer which has a first winding which can be connected parallel to the cell arrangement, and a plurality of second windings. Each second winding can be connected parallel to one of the battery cells. The transformer includes a third winding, which is provided for feeding energy from an external energy source to the battery system.

Abstract: The battery charger (C) for electric vehicles comprises a voltage converter (DC/DC CONV), a power factor correction circuit (PFC) connected upstream of the voltage converter (DC/DC CONV), a controller circuit (PFC CNTR) operatively connected to the correction circuit (PFC) and suitable for piloting the correction circuit (PFC) for the correction of the power factor in the battery charger (C), a retroaction line (L) connected to the output of the voltage converter (DC/DC CONV) and to an input of the controller circuit (PFC CNTR), wherein the controller circuit (PFC CNTR) is suitable for varying the output voltage (VPFC) of the correction circuit (PFC) within a predefined voltage interval and according to the output voltage (VDCOUT) of the voltage converter (DC/DC CONV), in order to let the voltage converter (DC/DC CONV) operate as much as possible around the point of maximum efficiency.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply system is provided. The system includes a main battery and an OBC having first and second input/output terminals, in which AC power input to the first input/output terminal is converted into DC power to be output to the second input/output terminal, and a magnitude of the DC power input to the second input/output terminal is converted and output to the first input/output terminal. Additionally, the system includes an LDC in which a DC voltage input from the main battery is converted into a low voltage to be supplied to an auxiliary battery or an electronic load and a switching unit is connected between the first input/output terminal and the LDC. A controller is then configured to adjust a powering direction of the OBC and an on/off state of the switching unit, based on whether the main battery is charged and whether the LDC fails.

Abstract: When the heat stress cumulative value of a second boost converter is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is less than a first threshold value and the heat stress cumulative value of a first boost converter is less than a third threshold value that is equal to or less than the second threshold value, the first boost converter is controlled by voltage control and the second boost converter is controlled by power control. When the heat stress cumulative value of the first boost converter is equal to or greater than the second threshold value and the heat stress cumulative value of the second boost converter is less than the third threshold value, the first boost converter is controlled by the power control and the second boost converter is controlled by the voltage control.

Abstract: An electrical cable assembly is provided with an electrical connector sized to be received into an electrical outlet. A cable is in electrical communication with the electrical connector. A lockable connector is in electrical communication with the cable. An adapter receptacle is sized to receive the lockable connector for electrical communication with the lockable connector. The lockable connector is lockable within the adapter receptacle. A vehicle connector assembly is in electrical communication with the adapter receptacle and is sized to be received by a vehicle receptacle to convey current to the vehicle receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter is provided. The apparatus comprises an active switching rectifier operably connected to a coupler and configured to operate in a first bridge mode and a second bridge mode. The apparatus comprises a controller configured to adjust an input resistance of the rectifier to a first value that provides a first wireless power transfer efficiency when the rectifier operates in the first bridge mode. The controller is configured to adjust the input resistance of the rectifier to a second value that provides a second wireless power transfer efficiency less than the first wireless power transfer efficiency while operating within one or more operating limitations when the rectifier operates in the second bridge mode.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for wirelessly charging an electric vehicle. In one aspect, a method for transferring power via a magnetic field in a wireless power transfer system is provided. The method includes outputting an alternating electric current to a wireless power transmitter, generating, at the wireless power transmitter, the magnetic field in response to being driven with the alternating electrical current, receiving a value indicative of an electrical characteristic of the wireless power transmitter, and adjusting an operating characteristic of the wireless power transmitter to trigger a change in an electrical current in the receiver, the amount of adjustment selected to cause adjustment of an amount of reactive power in the wireless power transfer system based on changes in the receiver that automatically occur to maintain the output power substantially constant in response to the change in the electrical current in the receiver.

Abstract: Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles connect to Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) to recharge a traction battery. Existing standards define the signal interface between the vehicle and EVSE including control pilot and proximity detect signals. The vehicle may use the status of these signals to detect when a connection is established with EVSE. The vehicle may indicate a connection when the signals provide conflicting statuses. The vehicle may prevent driving off and permit charging in the event of a proximity detect signal indicating a state of engagement other than connected as long as a valid control pilot signal is present. The status of the control pilot signal may be utilized to prevent drive-off and permit charging.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an invention concerning a method for managing charging of a Li-ion battery based on at least one parameter chosen from a group consisting of a state of deterioration of the Li-ion battery and cell unbalance, the method comprising the following steps: a) determining an end-of-charge voltage value of said Li-ion battery, b) generating a control signal controlling the charging of said Li-ion battery, and c) transmitting the control signal to a charger, the control signal being generated in such a way that the Li-ion battery is charged based on the end-of-charge voltage value determined in step a), said end-of-charge voltage value being increased based on the state of deterioration of said Li-ion battery until a limit value is reached, in order to ensure a constant minimal level of required energy in said Li-ion battery is provided at a predetermined reference temperature.

Abstract: An electronic device for controlling the electric charge of a load electrically supplied by a battery pack, comprising: a support; a control module integrated in the support; an electric pre-charging circuit of the load controlled by the control module; an electric active discharge circuit of the load controlled by the control module. The electric pre-charging circuit comprises at least one first solid-state switch and is integrated on the support. The electric active discharge circuit comprises at least one second solid-state switch and is integrated on the support. The first solid-state switch and the second solid-state switch work either as a switch or as a variable resistor.

Abstract: An internal resistance estimation method for a secondary battery includes: acquiring an initial internal resistance value and temperature course information including a battery temperature and time information about time at which the battery temperature has been recorded; estimating an increased amount of the internal resistance value after a lapse of a predetermined time from the predetermined reference time on the basis of the temperature course information; estimating a reduced amount of the internal resistance value of the secondary battery resulting from a relative change between a range of use of a state of charge of the positive electrode and a range of use of a state of charge of the negative electrode on the basis of the temperature course information; and calculating an internal resistance variation in the lapse of the predetermined time on the basis of the increased amount and the reduced amount.

Abstract: A coolant passage connection structure includes: a first coolant passage attached to a case which houses a cooler and has a second opening, and extending from the cooler; a second coolant passage that communicates with the second opening; a first connection member connected to the first coolant passage, and having a first opening; a first face seal member; and a second connection member connected to the first opening and the second opening via the first face seal member. The second opening is provided in the case so as to be positioned below the first connection member in a vertical direction. The first connection member is positioned above the first face seal member in the vertical direction and includes a tapered portion that includes an inclined surface inclined further away from a surface of the case toward a lower side in the vertical direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle comprising a power source such as a primary battery, a secondary battery, and a supercapacitor. The power source includes a plurality of components. At least one of the plurality of components serves as at least a portion of the structural part of the vehicle. The power source is integrated with the structure of the vehicle, and improves the endurance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery pack includes non-parallel longer and shorter axes. A virtual first plane includes the shorter axis and an end surface of the battery pack, a virtual second plane includes the longer axis and another end surface of the battery pack, and a virtual third plane is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longer axis and includes the center of gravity of the battery pack. The battery pack includes first and second grips, respectively at least partially located in the first and second planes. The first grip allows the battery pack to be carried such that the longer axis extends in the vertical direction. The second grip allows the battery pack to slide along the first plane. The first grip and at least a portion of the second grip are located on the same side with respect to the third plane.

Abstract: A transport system including at least one guideway, at least one levitation generator, at least one lifting member, at least one drive generator, and at least one drive member is presented. The at least one guideway, at least one levitation generator, at least one lifting member, at least one drive generator, and at least one drive member can each be implemented with other systems. The at least one drive generator is configured to: generate a driving magnetic flux; move with a corresponding at least one drive member; and be driven relative to the at least one drive member by the driving magnetic flux. The at least one levitation generator can be configured to: generate a levitating magnetic flux; move within a corresponding at least one lifting member; and elevate above a rest position relative to the at least one lifting member in response to the levitating magnetic flux.

Abstract: A vehicle has an electric or hybrid-electric traction drive supported by an ungrounded vehicle frame. The vehicle also has a current collector, which can be electrically connected to the traction drive and which can be brought in galvanic contact with a contact line of a grounded contact-line system to supply traction energy. The vehicle contains an electrical protection system for avoiding dangerous contact voltages on the vehicle frame or on a vehicle part connected to the vehicle frame in a conductive manner. The protection system has a first protection stage, a second protection stage, and a switching element, by which the protection system can be switched between the first and the second protection stages. The first protection stage provides greater safety from dangerous contact voltages than the second protection stage. Thus, a protection system can be provided which provides sufficient safety in all operating states of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is adapted to be moved relative to a floor of a vehicle. The seat includes a seat bottom that can be moved relative to the floor and a seat back that can be moved relative to the seat bottom.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back is coupled to the seat bottom and arranged to extend in an upward direction away from the seat bottom. The vehicle seat further includes an electronics system.

Abstract: A seat slide device for a vehicle includes a lower rail mounted on a vehicle floor, an upper rail mounted on an underside of a seat part, and a friction reducing member arranged between the lower rail and the upper rail. The friction reducing member includes sliding contact members. Each of the sliding contact members includes a lower column part, an upper column part, and connection parts which connect the upper column part with the lower column part.

Abstract: A seat assembly including a seat rail having an opening at an end of the seat rail, a seat slider that slides relative to the seat rail along a length of the seat rail, and an end stop at the end of the seat rail that prevents the seat slider from sliding beyond the opening and that substantially covers a cross section of the opening.

Abstract: An adjusting device for longitudinal adjustment of a vehicle seat including: a guide rail 2 and a guided sliding rail 1; a stop member 7 mounted to the guide rail 2 for limiting the travel stroke of the sliding rail 1; and a positioning member 4 for positioning the guide rail 2, wherein the positioning member 4 has a first end and a second end fixed to the guide rail 2, a first threaded portion 40 is provided at the second end, extending through a through-hole 22 of the guide rail 2, and a positioning portion 44 for positioning the guide rail 2 relative to the vehicle floor is provided at the first end and outside of the hollow space 8. The first threaded portion 43 is in engagement with a second threaded portion 49 which is mated to the first threaded portion 43 and coupled with the stop member 7.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a wall having a hanger. The vehicle also includes a floor having a track. A seatback of a seat is supported by the hanger and the track.

Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile vehicle seat including a seat bottom and a seat back. The child restraint also includes an energy dissipater coupled to the seat back.

Abstract: A seat system for a vehicle includes a seat having a seat bottom on which a person can sit. An intermediate support structure is secured to the seat and the vehicle which allows the seat to rotate relative to the vehicle. An actuator can interact with the seat to cause the seat to rotate relative to the vehicle. One or more sensors can each measure an aspect of motion. A processor can (i) receive input from each of the one or more sensors, (ii) determine from this input a measure of rotation of the vehicle away from a nominal, level horizontal orientation, and (iii) utilize the input to determine a desired rotation of the seat. An angle that the seat has been rotated away from a nominal, level orientation is more than insubstantially larger than an angle that the vehicle has rotated away from a nominal, level horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A shock attenuating mounting for a seat, comprising an attenuating element composed of resilient material, the element securable on a first side to a seat and securable on a second side to a vehicle, the element configured to attenuate shock experienced by the vehicle along more than one axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for controlling an air cell in a seat. It includes: an air cell provided in the seat; a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure in the air cell; an actuation switch configured to enable an operation of injecting or discharging air into or from the air cell; and a control unit input with the measured air cell pressure value.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel four-direction headrest, which comprises a headrest housing, a U-shaped headrest bar, a Z-direction sliding fixing socket, an unlocking mechanism bracket, a tab, a tab return spring, an X-direction sliding fixing socket, an X-direction sliding guide, an unlocking steel wire, an unlocking button, wherein the locking and unlocking among the X-direction sliding fixing socket, the unlocking mechanism bracket, and the U-shaped headrest bar is realized by the unlocking steel wire, and the locking and unlocking between the tab and the X-direction sliding guide is realized by the tab movement driven by the unlocking steel wire. The locking and unlocking mechanism of the invention is simple, efficient and controllable.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat frame seat frame having a seat frame, a first and second extendable members disposed on a forward portion of the seat frame and operable between an extended position and a retracted position. Each of the first and second extendable members comprises a movable housing, a support base attached to the seat frame and slidably coupled to the movable housing, a trim cover stock partially disposed above an upper surface of the movable housing and having a first fixed upper edge and a second movable lower edge, and a linkage system operatively coupling the movable housing to the second movable lower edge of the trim cover stock to maintain tension on the trim cover stock as either of the first and second extendable members is operated between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seating frame defined by a seatback frame and a seat frame. A plurality of distinct assembly modules are configured for attachment with the seating frame. The plurality of distinct assembly modules include a back cushion module, a hard back module, a seat cushion module, and a headrest module. The back cushion module and hard back module are operably coupled together. The headrest module extends over and operably couples the back cushion module with the seat cushion module to substantially encompass the seating frame. The seat cushion module is positioned on the seat frame in front of the seatback frame. First and second side trim pieces are configured to extend over the seat frame concealing side portions of the seat cushion module.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a frame and an inner suspension panel coupled to the frame. A plurality of suspension members attach the frame to the inner suspension panel. Each suspension member has a tab that is biased away from the inner suspension panel and is operable between extended and compressed positions. A cushion is coupled to at least one of the tabs. The cushion includes a plurality of comfort positions defined by the position of each of the tabs.

Abstract: A foldable head restraint apparatus for connecting to a seat of a vehicle. The foldable head restraint apparatus includes a pair of brackets for being connected to a cover. A pivot tube rotatably supports the brackets along a first axis. At least one seat connector is connected to the pivot tube for non-rotatably supporting the pivot tube relative to the seat of the vehicle. A pair of latches are each non-rotatably disposed about the pivot tube adjacent to each of the brackets. A pair of cams are each rotatably connected to one of the brackets and are rotatable between a latched position and an unlatched position. At least one release connector is connected to each of the cams and is moveable for providing the rotating movement of the cams in response to movement of the release connector to provide synchronized rotation of the cams.

Abstract: A screen assembly includes an anchor arm, a cover arm, a spool arm, a spool, and a flexible screen. The anchor arm is connected to a component of the vehicle within the passenger cabin. The spool arm is disposed between the anchor arm and the cover arm. The spool is inserted onto the spool arm and can rotate relative to the spool arm. The flexible screen is attached to the spool and includes first and second portions. The first portion has a first edge attached to the spool arm and a second edge attached to the anchor arm. The second portion includes a first edge attached to the spool arm and a second edge attached to the cover arm. The first and second portions are dispensed in opposite directions when at least one of the cover arm and the anchor arm moves relative to the spool arm.

Abstract: An automobile floor mat is fashioned as a flexible mat having an upright portion and a base portion. A pair of straps are secured to the back side of the upright portion and capable of removable attachment to a foot pedal of the automobile. The surface of the base portion has a depressed region forming a small basin designed to capture water and soil from the automobile operator's shoes.

Abstract: A movable frame is adapted to be loaded onto and unloaded from a stationary frame mounted on a vehicle. A platform is releasably mountable onto said movable frame. The platform and movable frame may be hoisted simultaneously when being loaded and unloaded from the stationary frame. The platform includes a downwardly depending support legs which are of sufficient length to maintain the platform elevated above a first portion of the movable frame which is inserted under said platform when said movable frame is resting in a lowered position when unloaded from the stationary frame. The movable frame may be raised to engage with the underside of said platform. Interlocks cooperate between said platform and said movable frame so that the movable frame centers onto and mates with said underside of said platform.

Abstract: Autonomous vehicle is provided which includes a plurality of sales bins positioned on a side of the vehicle. An awning is configured to deploy from the vehicle over the sales bins. The awning includes a first light source which is configured to illuminate a ground space proximate the awning. A second light source is configured to illuminate the sales bins. A sensor is configured to detect an electronic device proximate the vehicle.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to temperature-controlled delivery of items. A conveyor mechanism disposed within a temperature-controlled compartment of a delivery vehicle can provide easy access to items within the compartment. In some embodiments, the conveyor mechanism can be operated by a control circuit to convey items within the compartment to position the items adjacent to the access door according to various inputs.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes first, second and third living areas, each having a floor and a garage located below the third living area. A bed is located in the third living area. The bed includes a platform supported above the floor of the third living area by a support structure. The platform is movable from a first position adjacent the support structure to a second position spaced apart from the support structure. The platform defines at least in part the ceiling of the garage. The recreational vehicle further includes a chassis configured such that the section located below the third living area and the garage supports the garage floor in a position that is lower than the remainder of the chassis.

Abstract: A headache rack system for a truck includes a truck bed and a removable and vertically adjustable headache rack. The truck bed is adapted to be attached to a truck frame and includes a floor and a side panel connected to the floor. The side panel includes a first flange and a second flange. The removable headache rack includes a first side support, a second side support, a top support connected to an upper end of the first side support and an upper end of the second side support, and a panel connected to a lower end of the first side support and a lower end of the second side support. The first and second flanges, respectively, may extend beyond a leading edge of the floor and wrap around a portion of the front of the truck bed to define a slot configured for receiving the lower ends of the first and second side supports.

Abstract: A heated light enclosure having an adaptable heating system is provided with a controlled heating system to deliver enough heat to a lens on a lamp assembly to remove snow, frost, and/or condensation without overheating the lens. By heating the lens using a combination of one or more of PTC heaters, heat sinks and heat pipes, accumulation of snow, ice, or vapor is mitigated or eliminated from a surface of the lens, thereby enabling light to transmit through the lens. Applications include lamps and bulbs on conveyance devices, including vehicles, boats, planes, and trains, as well as sedentary structures, such as lamp posts, street lights, railroad crossing markers and lights, and airport ground and runway lighting systems.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a light guiding portion configured to be provided in at least one section of a vehicle body panel of a vehicle, and a light source arranged to input light into the light guiding portion such that the light is guided inside the light guiding portion. The light guiding portion has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is configured to face toward an inside of the vehicle and to serve as a light blocking surface to block the light. The outer surface is configured to face toward an outside of the vehicle and to serve as a light exiting surface from which the light is allowed to exit the light guiding portion. The vehicle body panel may be a vehicle rear panel having a resin molded portion, and the vehicle lamp may be provided integrally with the resin molded portion.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a receiver to receive a signal corresponding to a traveling speed of a lead vehicle, a response device that generates an alert to warn of a change in the traveling speed of the lead vehicle, and a control device coupled to the receiver and the response device, wherein the receiver sends a signal to the control device corresponding to the traveling speed of the lead vehicle and the control device operates the response device in a manner dependent on the traveling speed of the lead vehicle. In some embodiments, the signal comprises one or more of infrared, radio frequency, wireless, WiFi, and Bluetooth®. In some embodiments, the communication system further comprises a speed control system coupled to the control device, wherein the control device operates the speed control system in a manner dependent on the traveling speed of the lead vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle visibility system. Implementations include a first front facing light element coupled to a vehicle on a first side of a center line of a vehicle and a second front facing light element coupled on a second side of the center line. The system includes a switch electrically coupled with the first and second front facing light elements and with an electrical power system. The first and second front facing light elements each include a controller and each are configured to alternately flash using the controller in response to receiving an electrical signal from the switch when the switch is in an activated position. When the first and second front facing light elements are alternately flashing, the visibility of the vehicle to oncoming traffic may be increased. The first and second front facing light elements are not coupled to a handlebar or caliper region of the vehicle.